Page 17 of Wallflower Games: Lady Be Vengeful
Arabella said nothing. She pushed past them and left the drawing room. Emma shook her head. Of course Arabella would not apologize. She never believed herself in the wrong. “Please come in,” she told Lord Mar and Fenella. “I’ll order tea.”
“That would be lovely,” Fenella said. “But I’m tired and wish to rest. We can have tea this afternoon. I’ve missed you.”
“All right,” Emma said. “Go rest. We have time later to talk.”
Fenella hugged Emma, then she left the drawing room. Her father followed behind her. Lord Mar seemed overprotective, but Emma didn’t blame him for having caution where Fenella was concerned. She had almost died. If she had a child that nearly perished, then she’d want to keep them safe as well.
That left her alone with Harriett. She turned toward her. “That was kind of you to apologize.”
She sighed. “It was long overdue. That day…” She glanced away. “We were reckless, and Fenella almost paid the price for it. She was owed more than an apology.”
Emma agreed, but she had not thought Harriett would have believed as much. She decided to take pity on Harriett. She seemed much kinder than Arabella. “I overheard your disagreement,” she began. “It’s not my place to comment on your difficulties. But I would like to say one thing. Lord Clouston is a kind man. You shouldn’t be too upset with him. I did hang mistletoe all over the manor.”
“You may be correct,” she said softly. “But I’m not ready to accept it.” Harriett’s eyes were filled with pain. Emma had done that to her. “I need time to grieve what I’ve lost. Arabella was my closest friend. I knew she could be cruel, but I never thought she’d be that way with me.” She smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. “If you’ll pardon me, I am going to rest in my chambers. If you don’t mind, I may join you and Lady Fenella for afternoon tea.”
“That would be all right with me.” She thought Fenella would agree as well. “Go rest if that is what you need.”
Harriett left the drawing room. Emma moved to the window and stared out at the stark white landscape. She was alone now and left with herthoughts. She still had to locate Blake and have a conversation with him, as well. The morning had been enlightening. Her revenge had been far more successful that she had thought it would be. How would Arabella have reacted if Lord Marlinton had kissed Harriett? She would have been far more vicious. It was fortunate that her opportunity hadn’t been in the reverse. Emma feared what Arabella might have done.
“There you are,” Blake said. “I have been searching for you.”
She turned and met his gaze. Emma grinned. “I’ve been here for a while now. Where have you looked?”
“Well,” he said. “I did start at your bedchamber. I must confess I had hoped to find you still in your bed.” He walked toward her and pulled her into his arms. “I wanted to join you there.” Blake pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “I missed you.”
“Did you?” Happiness filled her. “Then it’s unfortunate that I did not stay in bed.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I would have welcomed you.” She stepped on her tiptoes and whispered. “It’s also sad that you missed joining me in my bedchamber as I bathed. That was quite the missed opportunity.”
He groaned. “You’re a minx.” Blake brushed the back of his hand over her cheek. “But you’re mine.” His eyes were warm and not just from the desire he clearly felt for him. “Emma, love,” he began. “We have much to discuss.”
“We do,” she agreed. “We were too busy last night to say much of anything.”
Blake lifted her into his arms and carried her over to the settee. He didn’t set her down. He sat and held her in his lap. “This is scandalous,” she told him.
“You like me this way.” His wickedness was addicting. He was too correct in his assumption. “Besides, we belong together. It’s best that you get used to me keeping you in my lap.”
She lifted a brow. “I don’t recall agreeing to anything.”
“But you will.” His confidence should irritate her. “Darling, we’re going to get married. Accept it.”
“Don’t you think you ought to, perhaps, ask me?” Incorrigible arse.
“If you insist.” He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “My love, will you please consent to be my wife and allow me to love you for the rest of our lives? I will endeavor to give you all of myself and ensure you know nothing but pleasure.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “I love you. Of course I’ll marry you.”
“I never thought I could love anyone as much as I do you, my clever little minx.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “We are going to have the best life together.”
Emma believed him. Her happiness had never been guaranteed. But now not only was it possible, she would hold on to it with everything she had inside of her. This wasn’t a game. She would gladly set that aside for him. There was nothing else she wanted more. Emma held him close and reveled in his embrace. This was the best Christmastide ever. Nothing would ever compare to it.
